Building industry applauds Albanese’s new cabinet with expanded housing focus

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s new ministerial cabinet appointments, particularly the expansion of the housing portfolio to include future cities planning and a dedicated social housing envoy.

HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin said the association was pleased with the cabinet restructure, which would allow for targeted focus on housing issues.

“HIA has called on the next term of government to specifically focus on increasing housing supply with dedicated programs targeted towards boosting private housing and rentals,” Ms Martin said.

The expanded responsibilities in the housing portfolio will enable Housing Minister Clare O’Neil to concentrate on implementing key election commitments aimed at increasing housing supply and lifting home ownership rates.

The appointment of a special envoy dedicated to social housing and homelessness was also welcomed by the industry body.

HIA expressed satisfaction with the government’s emphasis on industry, innovation, small business and productivity reflected in the new appointments.

The association noted the significance of Tim Ayres’ appointment as Minister of Industry and Innovation, alongside Anne Aly as Minister for Small Business, Andrew Charlton as Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, and Andrew Leigh as Assistant Minister for Productivity.

Ms Martin referenced the Productivity Commission’s February report titled “Can we fix it?” which outlined policy directions for improving productivity in housing construction.

“This report provides a comprehensive policy blueprint for reform and HIA is calling on these new Ministerial appointments to action the recommendations from this report as part of their first order priorities,” she said.

The organisation urged the newly appointed ministers to implement the report’s recommendations, which include reducing regulatory burden, streamlining approval processes, supporting innovation and improving workforce flexibility.

“In doing so it can substantially turn the dial to address the nation’s critical housing shortages and support our industry to build the homes Australia desperately needs,” Ms Martin said.